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This succulent roasted peach chicken combines the sweetness of summer peaches with savory chicken for a dish that's both elegant and comforting. The peach glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a stunning dinner that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
I created this recipe during peach season when my farmers market haul was threatening to overripen all at once. The combination was such a hit that my family now requests it year-round, even with frozen peaches in winter.
Ingredients
- Peach preserves: Forms the foundation of our glaze creating a rich sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully
- Extra virgin olive oil: Helps carry flavors and prevents sticking
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth that balances the sweetness perfectly
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings necessary acidity to cut through the richness
- Dijon mustard: Provides subtle tang and helps emulsify the marinade
- Fresh garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor that permeates the chicken
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too harsh
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity
- Red pepper flakes: Contribute just enough heat to make the sweet peaches pop
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Create a perfect canvas for our flavors
- Red onion: Adds sharp contrast and sweetens beautifully when cooked
- Fresh peaches: Provide bursts of juicy sweetness and stunning visual appeal
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Combine peach preserves, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Stir until completely incorporated. The mixture should be thick but pourable with a glossy appearance. This creates a complex sweet and savory base that will transform your chicken.
- Reserve Half for Later:
- Divide the marinade in half, setting aside one portion in the refrigerator. This unused portion remains food safe and will be used later to create an incredible sauce during roasting. The reserved marinade provides a final flavor boost and creates that irresistible glaze.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts to an even half-inch thickness. This crucial step ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness. Place the flattened chicken in a resealable bag along with sliced red onions. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag removing excess air, and massage to ensure every surface is coated.
- Marinate:
- Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though overnight delivers the most flavor. The marinade works its magic during this time, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with complex sweet and savory notes. Longer marinating times allow the flavors to penetrate deeper.
- Sear to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken and all marinade contents from the bag. Sear until a beautiful golden crust forms on each side, approximately 3–4 minutes per side. This caramelization creates rich flavor compounds that elevate the entire dish.
- Add Fresh Peaches:
- Pour your reserved marinade over the chicken, creating a sauce base. Arrange sliced peaches atop each chicken breast in an attractive pattern, then nestle remaining peach slices around the chicken in the sauce. The peaches will release their juices during roasting, creating a magnificent sweet and savory sauce.
- Roast to Juicy Perfection:
- Transfer the entire skillet to the oven and roast for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally. During this time, the marinade reduces to a glossy glaze, peaches soften into sweet jammy perfection, and the chicken becomes incredibly tender while remaining juicy.
The peach preserves are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always kept homemade preserves in her pantry, and the first time I made this with her summer peach batch, the flavor was transcendent. Even store-bought preserves work wonderfully, but look for ones with visible fruit pieces for the best texture and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
Want to simplify your dinner prep? You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors actually improve with time, making this perfect for planning ahead. You can also slice the peaches earlier in the day and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Seasonal Adaptations
While peak summer peaches offer unmatched flavor, this recipe adapts beautifully year-round. In winter, good quality frozen peaches work wonderfully—just thaw and pat dry before using. For a fall variation, try substituting half the peaches with firm pears. During spring, adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade brings a wonderful aromatic quality to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This roasted peach chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing. A wild rice pilaf absorbs the delicious sauce perfectly, while steamed green beans or asparagus add color and freshness. For a complete summer meal, serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The sauce is liquid gold—be sure to provide crusty bread for sopping up every last bit.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is wonderfully versatile. For a more complex flavor profile, add a tablespoon of bourbon to the marinade. For a Moroccan twist, include a teaspoon of cinnamon and half teaspoon of ground ginger. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the preserves to 3/4 cup and increase the vinegar slightly. The recipe welcomes your personal touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does roasted peach chicken keep in the fridge?
Roasted peach chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- → Can I freeze roasted peach chicken?
It's not recommended to freeze this dish as the peaches may become too soft and the texture of the chicken may degrade.
- → How should I reheat roasted peach chicken?
Reheat the chicken in an oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through. This helps maintain the original flavors and texture.
- → What is the best way to store the peach glaze?
Store the peach glaze in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its consistency and flavor.
- → Can I marinate the chicken longer than overnight?
Marinating for up to 24 hours is ideal to ensure the flavors are absorbed without over-softening the chicken.